Hawke's Bay drug raids end with 7 arrests

Five people have been remanded in custody and two others on bail after being arrested for their alleged involvement in methamphetamine dealing and other drugs offences in Hawke's Bay in recent months.

The seven, aged from 25 to 49, were arrested as a police investigation culminated with the searches of six houses and four vehicles in Napier and Hastings on Sunday.

About 30 police officers were involved.

Five of the arrests were in Napier and two were in Hastings.

The head of the Eastern District Police organised crime group, Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Foster, said a large amount of the drug was seized during the raids, as well as Ecstasy pills, LSD and other substances yet to be analysed. Also seized was several thousand dollars in cash and a loaded sawn-off shotgun.

The "ring" was a "substantial player" in the Hawke's Bay drug scene, Mr Foster said, but none of the recognised gangs were thought to be linked to the group. He described the group which had been operating in Hawke's Bay as "very active", and added: "We believe we have brought some major meth dealing to a halt.

"A continued focus on drug dealing has real benefits for us and there will be no let-up in our fight against this sort of crime," Mr Foster promised.

Those remanded in custody after appearing briefly before Judge Tony Adeane in Napier District Court yesterday were four men and a woman, all to appear in court again early next month.

They face charges including supplying methamphetamine and possession for supply.